A Must-See Tour of Rome - Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto

Yes, the Jewish Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue of Rome is in the Jewish Ghetto and is the largest one in Rome.

The Jewish Ghetto is also called the Roman Ghetto or Ghetto or Rome (Ghetto di Roma in Italian). This quarter or Rione in Sant’Angelo was established in 1555. Established as a result of an appalling Papal Bull by Pope Paul IV, forcing the Roman Jewish community to live in inhumane conditions within the confinement of the ghetto. While the present-day Jewish Ghetto in Rome is a major tourist attraction and a very beautiful place to visit, we must not forget the origins of this neighborhood and reason why it was created in the first place and let it be a reminder of a very horrific, hateful time in human history – never to be repeated.

The Jewish Ghetto is in the area of present-day Via del Portico d’Ottavia surrounded by Lungotevere dei Cenci, Via del Progresso and Via di Santa Maria del Pianto, right near the Tiber River and Theatre of Marcellus (the ‘miniature Colosseum’). This area was specifically chosen because it was such an undesirable location to live, being so close to the River Tiber and prone to constant flooding.

Originally a working-class residential neighborhood, Trastevere has become one of the most popular areas to visit in Rome in the last 10+ years. There is plenty to do during the day, but you definitely need to visit Trastevere at night as well. This neighborhood comes to life in a different way with street performers, live music, an array of great restaurants and bars and a mix of locals and tourists walking around, young and old.

There are many things to see in Trastevere, Rome. Piazza Trilussa is popular square hang out for locals and tourists alike. And in Piazza di Santa Maria is one of the oldest churches in Rome - Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Our Lady in Trastevere has floor plans that date back to the 340’s with beautiful mosaics both inside and outside of the church. There are two other notable churches in Trastevere to visit - Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, which dates back to the 5th century and Chiesa di San Francesco a Ripa Grande where you will find a few hidden treasures inside.